It's no surprise people are passionate about the health and happiness of their pet and our Merchandising (buying) team is no different. When it comes to the products and solutions in our stores, our incredible teams of merchandising associates have everything covered – from head to tail! From keeping up with the top trends to developing new, innovative solutions, our buyers help ensure every pet parent can find exactly what their pet needs at PetSmart. Join our team and show your love for pets by creating products as special as pets themselves!
About the Location
Collaborative Work Environment:
At PetSmart, teamwork and connection are core to how we thrive. This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote “flex day” (with leader approval). Our hybrid approach is designed to foster strong collaboration while also supporting flexibility and individual success.
About the Job
As the Buyer, you and your team will be responsible for setting the current and future merchandise strategy, determining assortment selection, creating pricing strategy, leading strategic vendor relationships, and identifying promotional opportunities for sales of approximately $545M within the Cat Value and Cat Treats departments. This will include directing vendor selection and leading the negotiations of product purchase terms in addition to developing and maintaining collaborative relationships with selected vendors. You will need to stay abreast of current and future market and competitor trends impacting the business to provide Sr. Leadership with recommendations on how to maintain PetSmart’s market leadership position and to sustain year over year profit growth. You will also provide leadership and development to a Merchandising Coordinator supporting two buyers within the Cat Consumables team.
Your goals and responsibilities will include:
Managing product assortment and product specifications in assigned areas to identify and address opportunities within the business and the market to maximize sales and margin opportunities.Developing and communicating business plans that maximize sales and margin based on current business trends to maintain PetSmart’s market leadership position.Lead Buyer for JBP Partnerships; driving yearly negotiations across the total Consumables team. Partnering with Marketing, Store Ops and Digital on in season opportunities within the JBP partnership. Negotiating product costs, terms and shipping/returns issues, and vendor funding throughout the year to drive sales/profit.Create effective partnerships with marketing, proprietary brands, supply chain, distribution centers, and stores operations partners.Developing and influencing vendor relationships to ensure the best prices, products and shipments.Identifying products that will maximize promotional and marketing strategies to meet sales and margin goals based on internal business and external market factors.Collaborating with other merchandising functions to determine product lifecycle, exit strategy and inventory aging standards.Participating in recommending, setting and approving product pricing strategies to achieve specific margin objectives and recommending appropriate markdowns.Plan and develop a merchandising team through training, coaching, and mentoring to create the bench strength needed to support a growing organization.
What you’ll bring to the table:
Ideal candidates will be strategic, customer focused, analytical, and have a proven track record of identifying opportunities to driving sales, margin, and market share.This position will require the ability to communicate and influence effectively with senior leaders in all cross functional areasEffective communication, analytical, negotiation, and organizational skills. Ability to train, coach, and grow an associate early in their career.Bachelor's degree in Merchandising management, Economics, Business or related degree from 4-year college or university3+ years of retail buying experience. Includes experience in both high volume and high value categories.FlexSmart policy allows some flexibility to work from home or remote locations, but this role requires a candidate to be based in the Phoenix area.
Additional Job Considerations
This role requires collaboration, teamwork, and face-to-face interaction with colleagues, leaders, and/or clients.Being in the office ensures access to leaders, cross-functional partners, and resources necessary to make timely decisions and drive results.On-site presence in accordance with our FlexSmart policy supports our culture of innovation, mentorship, and engagement, which is integral to our success in developing the best team.
* This is not intended to be an all-inclusive, exhaustive list of all essential job functions for this position. PetSmart retains the right to change or assign other required job duties to this position.
About the Culture
At PetSmart, Anything for Pets begins with our people. Every associate plays a vital role in creating meaningful experiences for pets and their families, and we empower our teams with the tools, resources, and opportunities to grow and succeed.
We’re more than a workplace, we’re Team PetSmart. Together, we grow, collaborate, and challenge ourselves to be the best in all we do. Our culture is built on belonging and shared purpose, where every voice and experience matters. Guided by our values, we strive to do what’s right, lead responsibly, and bring our passion for pets to life every day. Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You might be the right fit for this role or another opportunity across Team PetSmart.
Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:
Pet-friendly environment, bring your pets to work and enjoy the on-site dog park!On-Site Events & Adoptions, enjoy community-building opportunities, including pet adoption days, seasonal celebrations, family events, art events, & holiday festivals“Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists, personal trainers, and wellness spaces“Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch options, snacks, & more“Lil Paws” NAEYC-accredited onsite childcare facility providing high-quality early educationPaid Volunteer Opportunities to spend time doing good for causes close to heartPrint Center and Business Services, Dry Cleaning, Mother's Rooms, Sustainable Infrastructure & more
PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.